Ducks Unlimited (DU) believes IP 28 would have far-reaching, unintended consequences for wildlife conservation, scientific research, hunting and fishing, and outdoor recreation. Below is a clear breakdown of what IP 28 does, why DU opposes it, and how you can help protect Oregon’s conservation future.
What Is IP 28?
IP 28 is a citizen‑initiated ballot measure. To qualify for the ballot, proponents must submit 117,173 valid signatures by July 2, 2026. However, additional signatures will be required to account for invalid or challenged signatures. Organizers currently report collecting more than 105,000 signatures
If approved by voters, IP 28 would fundamentally rewrite Oregon law related to animals.
Supporters refer to this proposal as the PEACE Act and market it primarily as an animal cruelty prevention measure.
What Would IP 28 Make Illegal?
If passed, IP 28 would criminalize a wide range of currently legal activities, without exception, including:
Hunting and Fishing
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Injuring or killing fish and wildlife would be considered animal abuse
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According to the Attorney General’s review, IP 28 would eliminate hunting and fishing licenses, an important source of statewide funding.
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Applies to all animals, including pests and rodents.
Dog Breeding and Training
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Many dog breeding practices and certain training programs would be considered abuse or sexual assault
Farming, Ranching, and Local Food Production
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Livestock breeding would be considered sexual assault
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Raising animals for food would
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Plowing fields may be illegal if they harm any wildlife, including moles and voles
Science-based Wildlife Management
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Hunting and other fish and wildlife management tools used by state agency wildlife managers
Tribal and Cultural Practices
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Tribal subsistence hunting and fishing
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Ceremonial and cultural uses of animals
Why Ducks Unlimited Opposes IP 28
It Would End Oregon’s Hunting and Fishing Heritage
IP 28 would make hunting and fishing illegal, ending generations of healthy outdoor traditions. Families would lose early mornings in the marsh, youth fishing trips with grandparents, and the deep connection to nature that drives conservation values.
It Threatens Responsible Animal Ownership
Dog breeding and training programs essential to working dogs, bird dogs, and many family pets would be criminalized.
It Puts Food Systems and Local Agriculture at Risk
Livestock production and farming practices would become illegal, threatening:
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Family farms and ranches
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Farmers markets
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Local milk, eggs, meat, and produce
It Undermines Wildlife Conservation Funding
Hunting and fishing are not just traditions; they are the backbone of conservation funding.
If IP 28 passes:
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Hunting and fishing license and tag revenue would disappear
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Millions of federal conservation dollars would be lost through the Pittman–Robertson Act, which for 90 years has directed tax revenue from firearms and ammunition sales to state conservation programs
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Approximately half of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s funding, which comes from sportsmen and women, would vanish, severely limiting local habitat protection and wildlife management.
What Ducks Unlimited Is Doing
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Ducks Unlimited proudly opposes IP 28
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DU is pooling resources to educate voters and members about:
- The role of hunting and fishing in conservation and healthy outdoor family traditions
- The real impacts of IP 28
- Proven, science‑based solutions that protect animals and habitat
How You Can Help
Join Ducks Unlimited
Support wetlands, waterfowl habitat, and Oregon’s outdoor traditions by becoming a DU member.
Get Involved Locally
Volunteer or attend a DU chapter event to help educate your community about IP 28 and conservation solutions that work.
Find a DU event near you
Support Voter Education and Conservation Defense
Contribute to DU’s Oregon policy efforts through the Wings and Wetlands Initiative to help fund:
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Voter education
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Advocacy with our conservation partners
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Long‑term defense of conservation and our outdoor traditions
Protect Oregon’s Conservation Legacy
IP 28 would be devastating for wildlife, conservation funding and treasured outdoor traditions. Ducks Unlimited is committed to ensuring Oregonians understand what’s at stake and to defending a future where people, wildlife, and habitat thrive together.
Join us in opposing IP 28.
